How Not to Go on a Hiking Trip
This past spring break, some friends and I decided that we wanted an adventure. We didn’t just want to go on a beach trip, so we decided to hit the trails in Virginia.
We did a little research and found a stretch on the Appalachian Trail that seemed easy enough. The hike would take three days and two nights, and the trails made a loop. Surely there was no way for us to mess this up. We seemed to have everything in place…boy, were we wrong.
Ultimately, we set ourselves up for failure. Our problems started before we even made it to the trail. We drove to Virginia and spent our first night in a hotel, planning to hit the trail the next morning. On the way to the trailhead, our car started to overheat. We couldn’t drive a mile through the mountains without having to stop and let it cool off. We spent hours trying to figure out what was wrong and how to fix it. Finally, in the middle of nowhere, we made it to an auto shop. They were able to fix the car, and we made it to the trailhead.
Because of the car trouble, we had been set back five hours. Feeling a bit flustered and rushed, we were eager to start hiking. However, we were immediately confused by the various trails. Defined paths were hard to find, so I pulled out my map to find the trail we needed. Not only was I the only one with a map, but I was the only one who knew how to properly read the map, so I didn’t have any help.
Due to our late start, we did not make it as far as we planned on the first day. We wanted to get as far as possible before setting up camp, so we pushed forward as the sun dipped low in the sky. Finally, we set up camp in an open area. We knew that rain was possible during the night but were completely unaware of how bad the rain would be. The wind and rain kept us up all night, and at some points, it felt like I was the only thing holding my tent in place. Thankfully, my friend and I had a working rain cover on our tent. Our other two friends did not, and when we woke up, they were soaked. This was fail no. 3.
The next day, we decided our best option was to hike out the way that we had come. Well, we tried. We definitely were not ready for the hike’s difficulty. Admittedly, we are 20-year-old guys who think we can figure everything out as it comes.
This hiking trip gave us a run for our money. We had all been on trips like this before, but we had never attempted to plan one. Next time I go on a hiking trip, I’ll head to Auburn Outdoors to get help planning it, or I’ll join them for a pre-planned trip. Turns out, Auburn Outdoors had a trip to the same trail the semester prior.
My epic fail of a hiking trip taught me many things. Always be prepared, gear up, and get help planning. But if you need help with planning...I am not your guy.
Be well, Auburn.
Photography: Jacob H.
Writer
Growing up in Birmingham, Alabama, Jacob always kept Auburn close to the heart. Jacob is majoring in industrial design, and he hopes to use his degree for product design while living in the Pacific Northwest. He specifically wants to find new ways to incorporate sustainable materials in everyday products for the sake of conservation. His passions also include the great outdoors, hiking, photography, and Chelsea Football Club. Jacob’s bucket list consists of one thing: visit all the National Parks. But don’t worry… He will take only pictures and leave only footprints.
